Charlaine remained at the window. “I have a question for you, and I’d like an honest answer.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Do you believe in the existence of the Gods?”
“Yes. Even the Saints acknowledged that they exist.”
“And do you believe them to be all-powerful?”
“The power of a god is given to them by its worshippers.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“I think the Gods are much like the Saints.”
“The Saints were mortal.”
“And so, I believe, were the Gods at one time. Over the centuries, however, their lives have become… well, myths, I suppose. We see the same thing happening within our own order.”
“In what way?” asked Charlaine.
“Some amongst our number practice blind obedience to the words of the Saints.”
“But the Saints are spiritual advisers. The idea of worshipping them
